Journalism BA (Hons)
Journalism is a powerful and rewarding industry. Our intensive course will equip you with the necessary skills for a career in the media.
The BA (Hons) Journalism blends academic learning with practical skills. You will develop professional interview skills, editing skills and the art of video creation. You will be taught through academic lectures and practical assessments including News Days in our on-site TV studio and Radio station.
On completion of this course you will have gained a solid understanding of news writing, Investigative Journalism and Broadcast Journalism.
In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to gain hands on experience in a 6 - 12 week placement, with past graduates working with The Times, Daily Record, The Sun, Sky Sports News, North Sound Radio, BBC, Look and Bunker.
An optional shorthand course is available for a small fee.
Award
BA (Hons)
UCAS Code
P500
Course Dates
September
Course Length
4 years
Mode of Attendance
Full-time
Academic School
- What you will study
- Teaching & Assessment
- Entry Requirements
- Placements & Accreditations
- Student Funding
- Course Fees
- How to apply
- Prospects
- Additional Costs
Overview
Year 1
You will gain skills in the basics of news writing and reporting for newspapers, digital platforms and in broadcasting; and an awareness of legal and institutional political frameworks within which journalists operate. Stage 1 introduces you to a range of theoretical concepts such as representation and allows you to develop professional skills in team-working.
Year 2
You will build upon their news gathering, editing and technical skills. Deeper theoretical understanding is developed around news values and discourses. You are introduced to new practical skills in web design and are asked to work on ‘live’ client specific projects.
Year 3
This year includes a taught route or you can elect to take a role within a media organisation for 6 or 12 weeks. This allows you to have first hand experience of the communication industries and to develop a portfolio of published work. The taught classes prepare you for their final year dissertation including how to identify and analyse Literature.
Year 4
The Final Year of study is at a higher theoretical level with modules on specialist aspects of the field of study. You work with a supervisor to develop a research project on a topic of their choice. The Investigative Journalism project entails a practical project either individually or as a team. You acquire skills in research, analysis and synthesising data to specified deadlines.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes.
The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Full-time
Year 1 -- Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Year 2 -- Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Year 3 -- Semester 1 |
Route A - Taught route |
Route B - Study Abroad Route |
Route C - Placement route for students undertaking study abroad in Semester 2 |
Choose 1 option module from the following group: |
Semester 2 |
Route A - Taught route with an option for a short placement |
Route B - Study Abroad Route |
Route C - Full Semester Placement |
Choose 1 option module from the following group: |
Year 4 -- Semester 1 |
Choose 2 option modules from the following group: |
Semester 2 |
Choose 1 option module from the following group: |
The course is delivered by a mixture of academic and practical instruction. Academic modules are typically delivered by a one hour lecture followed by a seminar where you can discuss or apply the thinking to relevant tasks. This may involve analysing texts, role-playing, giving oral presentations. The practical classes will involve sourcing stories, conducting interviews, filming, editing and participating in News Days. Investigative journalism will involve independent research, team work, and pitching stories in editorial meetings in real ‘live’ mentoring sessions in industry.
Shorthand tuition is highly recommended but not compulsory. The tuition is added to your timetable. Fees for the shorthand are in addition to course fees and are paid direct to our partner provider NESCOL.
Year 4 activity summary
Lectures
- Approximately 22 students per group
- 4 hours per week
Seminars
- Approximately 22 students per group
- 8 hours per week
Tutorials
- Approximately 22 students per group
- 0.5 hour per week
Project Supervision
- Approximately 22 students per group
- 0.5 hour per week
External Visits
- Varies in number of students
- 1 per semester
Independent study summary
You work independently on your Research Methods proposal, Research Project and Investigative Journalism pieces. This entails extensive research in terms of reading, data collection, writing and editing. Typically, this may involve the creation of a vlog, radio or TV package. This may entail travel to interview participants both domestically and internationally and on creative design aspects eg subtitling. A minimum of 36 hours study per semester is expected though many students dedicate 100s of hours of study to perfect their projects.
Staff delivering this course
Our Staff feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
This course is delivered by a core team and draws upon expertise from across the University. The team includes staff holding PhDs in Media Politics, the Certificate in Higher Education Learning and Teaching, staff with practical industry experience and a national committee member of the NCTJ. Colleagues in Aberdeen Business School and the Law School also have input to this course along with Visiting Professors, Honorary Doctoral professionals and librarians.
Facilities
- Hi-tech TV and Radio Studios
- Digital Suite
- Specialist Mac Suite
How you are assessed
Typically students are assessed each semester:
- Written Exam
- Written Assignment, including essay
- Report
- Dissertation
- Practical skills assessment
- Portfolio
- Group critique
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Disability & Dyslexia Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic Writing
- Study Skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths And Statistics
- English Language
- Information Technology Support
SQA Higher: ABBB to include English.
GCE A Level: BBC to include English.
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H2H2H3 to include English at H2.
IB Diploma: 29 to include Higher Level English at grade 5.
Alternative Qualifications: We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Advanced Entry: Applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
English Language
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
* All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. A small number of courses require higher levels, but this will be stated explicitly on your offer letter.
A 6 week or 12 week optional unpaid placement is included. Previous students have gone on placement in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London.
We have a dedicated Placement Manager and an extensive network of contacts in industry across TV, Radio, Digital and Press. You will be allocated a supervisor from the team who will visit and contact you during your placement and provide advice on writing your final report.
The placements are normally unpaid but some employers pay a minimum fee and/or expenses.
If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships
For Academic Year 2018/2019
Scottish/EU Students
- £1,820 per academic year
Rest of UK Students
- £5,000 per academic year
International Students
- £12,360 per academic year
For Academic Year 2017/2018
Scottish/EU Students
- £1820 per academic year
Rest of UK Students
- £5,000 per academic year
International Students
- £12,000 per academic year
For Academic Year 2016/2017
Scottish/EU Students
- £1820 per academic year
Rest of UK Students
- £5,000 per academic year
International Students
- £11,400 per academic year
For Academic Year 2015/2016
Scottish/EU Students
- £1820 per academic year
Rest of UK Students
- £5,000 per academic year
International Students
- £11,000 per academic year
For Academic Year 2014/2015
Scottish/EU Students
- £1820 per academic year
Rest of UK Students
- £5,000 per academic year
International Students
- £10,500 per academic year
For Academic Year 2013/2014
Scottish/EU Students
- £1820 per academic year
Rest of UK Students
- £5,000 per academic year
International Students
- £9,900 per academic year
For Academic Year 2012/2013
Scottish/EU Students
Full-time
- £1,820 per academic year
Rest of UK Students
Full-time
- £5,000 per academic year
International Students
- £9,500 per academic year
For Academic Year 2011/2012
UK/EU Students
- £1820 per academic year
International Students
- £9,250 per academic year
Disclaimer
Course fees are reviewed periodically and so are subject to change for new applicants. All tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in your offer letter. You will also be liable to pay a graduation fee of £40 before receiving a University award.
For further information see Student Finance pages
Information for Undergraduate Applicants
Terms and Conditions of Admissions
The Terms and Conditions of Admission describe to applicants holding an offer of a place to study at RGU, the principal rights, duties and obligations of both the applicant and the University prior to enrolling on a course of study.
The department has extensive links with the media industries, and graduates will secure careers in print, publishing, broadcast and online journalism. Opportunities for employment also exist in fields such as public relations and media management.
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- Shorthand tuition:
- £245 Year 1
- £144 Year 2-3
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase. Find your reading list by module.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
“I did my work placement with STV in 3rd year in Nigeria, now I'm working for a national newspaper. It is a wonderful experience, both challenging and interesting.”
Fatima Joji Journalism BA (Hons)